Acute medicine clinical quality indicators

Assessment of venous thromboembolism risk

The clinical quality indicator for mandatory training looks at the percentage of patients admitted to the medical assessment and admission unit who are assessed for venous thromboembolism risk.

Rationale

Hospital in-patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism, which is a potential cause of death or long-term complications.

Individualised risk assessment provides the opportunity to prescribe preventative measures in those at increased risk.

Our objectives

Our measure of excellence is for 100% of patients to be assessed for their risk of venous thrombo-embolism.

Current performance

Awaiting information.

Early warning score

The clinical quality indicator for the early warning score looks at the percentage of patients admitted via the on-call medical team who have an early warning score calculated from standard physiological parameters (including pulse, blood pressure) in accordance with Royal College of Physicians' guidelines.

Rationale

The early warning score is a method for detecting early deterioration in a patient's condition. Its use is recommended by both the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and National Confidential Enquiries into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD).

Early detection of deterioration provides an opportunity for early intervention and may lead to a reduction in mortality and length of stay on intensive care.

Our objectives

Our measure of excellence is that all our patients are assessed at the time of admission to the Medical Assessment & Admission Unit.